The sweet spot of interoperability

Last updated: 17 February 2017

Standardization has always been a double-edged sword. Focus too much on standardizing processes and technologies, and you’re likely to run into a phase of analysis-paralysis. Focus less, and you run the risk of exposing the larger ecosystem to run into longer term issues that could cripple the system. Striking the right balance is critical in policy-making and ensuring that innovation is not harbored to the extent of rendering a technology extinct. The nascent Internet of Things world is going through the phase of its standardization challenges as well. New protocols and standards are being proposed every other day, almost like a new mafia in the making!

But there’s one particular body whose work needs to be commended for striking a very good balance for the industry it represents – the GSMA, which only this week has been talking about a range of successful interoperability tests for the M2M market. We previously had the pleasure of speaking to Mr.Jean-Christophe Tisseuil, Head of SIM & eSIM at the GSMA. Here’s the interview in case you missed it.

Gemalto has been collaborating with the GSMA and other contributors to streamline the evolution of embedded SIM and Remote SIM Provisioning for the Internet of Things. As an active contributor, we too need to tread the thin line of striking the right balance in the industry; an industry that is forking into two distinct segments – consumer and industrial/enterprise.

Consumer

The latest interoperable specifications for using Remote SIM Provisioning for consumer electronics has taken considerable time to finalize. The consumer segment anticipates a surge in demand due to the rise in use of fitness trackers, personal drones, VR headsets and smart watches, to name a few. No wonder that there are more stakeholders involved in finalizing the interoperable specifications. Who issues the LPA? What should an SM-DP+ do differently from an SM-DP? What evolutionary role does an MNO play?

Back in November, Gemalto announced its compliance to the latest standards. Beginning February, we showcased how our On-Demand Connectivity solution can switch from one SM-SR to another. This is a critical need for a market that is based on the principles of the on-demand economy – the ability to switch from one service provider to another. Gemalto will be showcasing this capability this year at the Mobile World Congress, so book a slot with us to learn more. If you’re lost in the world of acronyms (LPA, SM-SR, SM-DP+ etc.), have a look at this useful e-book on eSIM and RSP.

Industrial/Enterprise

Use of eSIM in industrial IoT is coming of age. While the current hype surrounds the consumer market, the enterprises using embedded SIMs for M2M communication have a very different set of emerging needs. One such need is the ability to migrate a complete fleet of connected assets from one service provider to the other.

Imagine, for example, a rent-a-car company that wants to switch the connectivity service provider of its entire fleet. While interoperability lays the foundation for this “switch”, practically speaking, this requires a scalable and intelligent solution that can help the rent-a-car company to switch the service provider for dozens or hundreds of its cars. This foresight requires constant engagement with such enterprise customers, to understand their emerging needs. Another demo that we will be showing this year at MWC is our On-Demand Connectivity solution’s capability to help enterprises manage such large operations in the most effective manner.